Crossed 50 unique taco spots this year on a $10 budget, and I'm torn on something

I hit 52 different taco spots this year, all under $10 a meal (mostly the $1.50-$3 range from trucks and tiny taquerias in Austin). But I'm debating if the best deal is going for 3 basic carne asada tacos for $6 or splurging on one loaded trompo taco for $4.50 that's way more filling. What's your pick when you hit a milestone like this, more quantity or higher quality per buck?

2 comments

2 Comments

laura_wright9d ago

I actually read this piece in Texas Monthly a few months back about the economics of taco truck ingredients and it totally changed how I look at this. The trompo is where the margins get tight because of how much prep goes into it, so at $4.50 you're probably getting a better protein-to-cost ratio than the basic carne asada at $2 a pop. I've found that a single loaded trompo taco with the grilled pineapple and salsa verde usually leaves me more satisfied than two of the cheaper ones, but your mileage may vary depending on the spot. The key is watching how they handle the meat - if the trompo is spinning and glistening, that's quality per buck all the way.

jesser796d ago

Does the pineapple on the trompo count as a vegetable serving or just a really good garnish?